Naihanchi Irimi-Uchi (Entering Strikes)

This week, we decided to take a quick look at using some postures from Naihanchi Shodan and Naihanchi Nidan to attack the opponent as you enter into their personal space. Specifically, we look at the "forearm strike" posture and "raised elbow" posture. We use a haymaker as an attack as a simple entry point, but obviously you can get to these in a plethora of ways. These types of strikes are very easy to get to, and the opponent tends to run into them, which is helpful ;)

Thanks for sharing Noah! I really like this for a number of reasons, but primarily for the mindset exhibited. The following hierarchy was introduced to me by Dennis Martin on a BCA instructors course. In order of importance:

Mindset > Strategy > Tactics > Technique > Kit (weapons).

The last one obviously does not apply when we are unarmed, but the remaining hierarchy remains true. The bunkai shows a mindset of taking control, dominating, and, as one of my teachers put it, “being the hammer, not the anvil”. Even the "block" is done in an "attacking way". I like it.

Thanks for sharing. I’m totally stealing this one. Lol. I particularly like the application of the double raised elbows as aggressive, proactive striking (with some defensive cover), and I always enjoy how you guys work follow ups based on probable body response. Well done.

Thank you, both! I know that some karateka see "attacking" as being against the "Karate ni sente nashi" principle, but we don't, and it's important to have the mindset to be able to "attack" when necessary, even when it is in your own defense.

Hi Wastelander Very good clip as always, this is a very popular view "karate don't attack" I view this as karate is not aggressive in a way, that karateka is not a attacker. But when I feel under attack, I need to be proactive. Which you and your Sensei shown perfectly on this video. Kind regards Les

I know that some karateka see "attacking" as being against the "Karate ni sente nashi" principle, but we don't ...

Les Bubka wrote:

this is a very popular view "karate don't attack" I view this as karate is not aggressive in a way, that karateka is not a attacker. But when I feel under attack, I need to be proactive.

Absolutely! All of the past master who wrote about this were clear “Karate ni sente nashi" is a moral instruction; not a tactical one.

“When faced with someone who disrupts the peace or who will do one harm, one is as a warrior in battle, and so it only stands to reason that one should seize the initiative and pre-empt the enemy’s use of violence. Such action in no way goes against the precept of ‘no first attack’ …the expression ‘karate ni sente nashi’ [no first attack in karate] should be properly understood to mean that the karateka must never take a hostile attitude, or be the cause of a violent incident; he or she should always have the virtues of calmness, prudence and humility in dealing with others.” – Kenwa Mabuni

“There is a saying ‘no first attack in karate’ …To be sure, it is not the budo [martial art] spirit to train for the purpose of striking others without good reason. I assume that you already understand that in karate one's primary goal must be the training of mind and body… But when a situation can't be avoided and the enemy is intent on doing you serious harm, you must fight ferociously. When one does fight, taking control of the enemy is vital, and one must take that control with the very first move. Therefore, in a fight one must attack first. It is very important to remember this.” – Choki Motobu

“When there are no avenues of escape or one is caught even before any attempt to escape can be made, then for the first time the use of self-defense techniques should be considered. Even at times like these, do not show any intention of attacking, but first let the attacker become careless. At that time attack him concentrating one's whole strength in one blow to a vital point and in the moment of surprise, escape and seek shelter and help." – Gichin Funakoshi